Master of Science in

Communication Data Science

Application
Deadlines


Fall:
December 15

Application to this program is only available for the Fall semester

USC GRADUATE APPLICATION

Gain a cross-disciplinary skill set that will uniquely position you to apply communication theory and leverage big data to solve the next generation of communication challenges.

The first program of its kind, the MS in Communication Data Science is a STEM-designated cross-disciplinary joint degree offered by USC Annenberg’s School of Communication and USC Viterbi School of Engineering. Students will gain expertise in data science through a rigorous customized curriculum, while simultaneously developing domain expertise within the field of communication. Our location in Los Angeles, a global hub for the technology, media and entertainment industries, provides a unique set of opportunities for students and alumni.

**Learn More about Communication Data Science**

UPCOMING WEBINAR

Monday, October 23 - 9am PST

REGISTER

The Master of Science in Communication Data Science is a cross-disciplinary joint degree program offered by the Viterbi School of Engineering and the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.

You will acquire a data-native mindset and a unique skill set that prepares you for a career spanning communication, content strategy and data analytics.

In a rapidly changing world where gathering, interpreting and analyzing data is increasingly essential, modern organizations are seeking professionals who can leverage both data and theory to shape their communication strategies. This first-of-its-kind degree program is situated in one of the world’s premier hubs for the technology and media industries. Offered jointly by USC Annenberg and the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, the program blends advanced courses on media, marketing, and the human and social aspects of communication with foundational computer programming courses and advanced courses on data science, machine learning, data visualization, human-computer interaction, data stewardship, and AI ethics. 

The data-native mindset you will acquire in this STEM-designated degree program will equip you to lead diverse, interdisciplinary project teams in delivering solutions to a broad range of stakeholders.

The curriculum is designed to be accessible to students with any background, including students with a communication background and no computer science knowledge as well as students with a computer science background and no communication knowledge.  Students with undergraduate degrees in computer science, engineering, science, or mathematics will acquire the necessary knowledge of communication through the curriculum and can request to replace introductory data science courses with more advanced ones.  Students with undergraduate degrees in communication, journalism, or social sciences will acquire formal and practical data science skills and a solid background in communication theories needed for data science.

Upon successful completion of the MS in Communication Data Science program students will be able to:

  • Elicit requirements for data science needs in an organization.
  • Design advanced data systems to collect, aggregate, and analyze data and information
  • Leverage data and theory to inform communication strategy.
  • Effectively communicate complex data and results to a broad and diverse range of stakeholders.
  • Combine narrative and visualization skills to tell compelling data-driven stories that support diverse perspectives. 
  • Successfully lead a diverse, interdisciplinary project team in a data-rich communication environment.
  • Learn fundamental concepts of data science that facilitate keeping abreast of the latest technological developments in a rapidly changing world.


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MS in Communication Data Science
Informational Webinar: November 28, 2022


Faculty

Dual Degree Opportunity

Published on July 6th, 2017Last updated on August 14th, 2024